Chia: kayak tour to Tuerredda with snorkeling

Clear water, quiet coves, and a paddle-powered coast. This four-hour trip from Capo Malfatano brings you to Tuerredda Island, Perda Longa beach, and the Ferraglione Islands, with time for snorkeling and swimming along the way. I especially like the small group size, limited to eight people, and the chance to reach coastal spots that are accessible only from the sea.

I also like that the tour mixes activity with downtime. You paddle past cliffs and caves, then stop for 25 to 30 minutes at Perda Longa and later visit a secluded cove near Tuerredda. The main consideration is physical: this is not suitable for non-swimmers, children under 12, people with mobility impairments, or anyone over 110 kilograms.

Key points to know before booking

• Four hours on the water: The route begins and ends at Capo Malfatano, with several stops for swimming, snorkeling, and beach time.
• Small groups matter: With no more than eight participants, you get closer guidance than on a large boat excursion.
• Perda Longa is the first major pause: Plan on 25 to 30 minutes to relax, swim, or snorkel.
• Ferraglione offers a different view: You pass rocky islands, natural pools, and sea urchin colonies without touching the marine life.
• Guides receive high praise: Simon and Simone are both named in feedback, with particular praise for patient kayak instruction and excellent English.
• Bring your own refreshments: Food and drinks are not included, though water and a waterproof bag are part of the equipment.

Starting at Capo Malfatano

The meeting point is the car park at Ittiturismo Antica Pescheria. That gives you a clear place to aim for, but you should still allow enough time to arrive, park, and get ready before the launch.

The tour starts from Capo Malfatano and heads toward Tuerredda Island. The early part of the route is about getting comfortable in the kayak and learning how to move as a group. If you have never kayaked before, this is important. One participant specifically praised Simon for being patient while teaching first-time paddlers.

That patience can make or break a short kayak trip. You do not need advanced kayaking experience, based on the feedback, but you do need to listen to the guide and be willing to paddle for much of the outing. The guide handles the route and points out the coastal features, while you provide the muscle.

The group limit of eight is a real advantage here. A guide can watch how beginners are doing, explain the stroke again if needed, and keep the pace manageable. It also avoids the feel of a large organized procession along the coast.

Paddling toward Perda Longa beach

The route follows a section of Sardinia’s coast marked by clear water, cliffs, caves, natural pools, and small coves. The best part of kayaking here is the low viewpoint. From a kayak, you are close to the water and can look into shallow sections that may be missed from shore.

Some coastal corners are reachable only by sea. That does not mean every stop is completely empty, but it does give the trip a sense of access that a standard beach visit cannot provide. You are not simply being taken to a famous beach and dropped off. The route itself is part of the experience.

Perda Longa is the first planned rest stop. You get roughly 25 to 30 minutes here, which is enough time to swim, snorkel, dry off, or sit on the beach. I like this pause because four hours of paddling without a proper break would feel rushed and tiring, especially for beginners.

The stop also gives you a chance to reset before the more scenic sections farther along the coast. Bring a towel and a change of clothes, since you should expect to get wet. A hat, sunscreen, swimwear, water, and flip-flops are also on the recommended packing list.

Snorkeling in Sardinia’s clear water

The snorkeling is not an extra add-on squeezed into the final few minutes. It is built into the route at several picturesque spots, including Perda Longa and a secluded cove near Tuerredda.

The water is described as crystal-clear, and the focus is on seeing the seabed and marine life from the surface. You may spot sea urchins around the rocky areas near the Ferraglione Islands. The rule is simple and important: look, but do not touch or catch them.

A mask is included, and the guide can provide it during the tour. A waterproof bag is included as well, useful for keeping small personal items dry while you paddle. You should still bring only what you need. Kayaks are not the place for loose phones, wallets, or bulky belongings.

Non-swimmers should not book this activity. Even though a lifejacket is included, the tour involves open water, swimming stops, and getting in and out of the kayak. If you are comfortable in the water but new to kayaking, that is a different matter. The patient instruction described in the feedback should help, but you still need a reasonable level of fitness and confidence.

The Ferraglione Islands and their natural pools

After Perda Longa, the route continues past sheer cliffs toward the Ferraglione Islands. This rocky group is one of the most distinctive parts of the outing because it shifts the focus from beach time to coastal geology and marine life.

You can observe natural pools formed among the rocks. These pools offer a close look at the way water moves through the island edges, while the sea urchin colonies show how much life gathers in the shallow areas. The guide helps you notice these details, but the experience remains hands-on in the best sense: you are moving through the area by kayak rather than viewing it from a distant boat.

The instruction not to touch marine life is worth taking seriously. Sea urchins are easy to damage, and their spines can hurt you. The rule also keeps the stop respectful and safe for the coast.

This section may be less appealing if your only goal is a long beach stay. You are there to paddle, observe, and make short swimming stops, not to spend the entire morning or afternoon on one strip of sand. For me, that variety is a strength, but it is worth matching the tour to what you want from the day.

Reaching Tuerredda Island and the secluded cove

The route eventually reaches Tuerredda Island, one of the main sights named for the trip. The stop here includes a secluded cove accessible only by sea. It is the sort of place where the kayak format earns its keep, since you can approach a coastal corner that is not reached by a normal road-and-beach visit.

The cove is used for another pause, giving you time to swim, snorkel, or simply take in the water and cliffs. One booking described the beach as feeling almost private, which is a useful way to set expectations. Do not assume you will have an entire cove to yourself, but the setting should feel more tucked away than a major public beach.

The water and scenery are the main attractions here. If you want a peaceful stop, this is likely the moment that will stay with you. If you prefer constant movement, remember that the schedule includes several pauses, so the day is not a nonstop paddle.

Returning through the fishermen’s lagoon

The return heads back toward Capo Malfatano and includes a visit to the fishermen’s lagoon. This adds another type of coastal setting to the route. Instead of only seeing open sea and rocky islands, you get a look at a calmer lagoon area connected to local fishing activity.

The exact route can change when marine weather is poor. That is not a minor footnote on a sea tour. Wind and waves can affect both safety and comfort, so the guide may alter the order of stops or adjust the itinerary. A flexible attitude is useful, especially if you are booking around a fixed schedule.

The four-hour duration gives the guide room to include several sites without turning each stop into a rushed photo break. Still, conditions on the day matter more than the printed plan. Calm water should make the route easier and more enjoyable, while rougher conditions may mean fewer stops or a changed path.

What the $77 price gets you

At $77 per person, the price is reasonable if you value instruction, equipment, and access to several coastal stops in one half-day. The cost includes the kayak tour, a specialized guide, insurance, a lifejacket, a mask, a waterproof bag, and other equipment.

That package saves you from arranging separate kayak rental and snorkeling gear. More important, you are not left to figure out a coastal route on your own. The guide leads you through caves, coves, cliffs, natural pools, and the island area, while also managing the group and changing conditions.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring water, and pack any snacks you want for before or after the outing. The waterproof bag helps protect small items, but it should not be treated as a full dry-storage system for everything you own.

The strongest value comes from the small group. A larger excursion might cost less, but it could also offer less personal instruction and a slower, less flexible experience. If your group includes first-time kayakers, the extra guidance is likely worth more than a small saving.

Who should book this kayak tour

I would recommend this for adults and older teenagers who can swim, enjoy being active, and want to see several coastal spots rather than stay at one beach. It is also a good match for beginners, provided you are comfortable spending time on the water and following instructions.

The tour suits people who like a balance of activity and rest. You paddle between locations, then stop at Perda Longa and the Tuerredda cove for swimming, snorkeling, or quiet time. It is not a pure sightseeing cruise, and it is not a serious athletic expedition either.

The age rules are clear. Children under 12 cannot take part, and minors aged 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, non-swimmers, or people weighing more than 110 kilograms.

English and Italian are available. Simon and Simone are both praised by name for their clear communication, strong English, friendliness, and patience. Since the exact guide may vary, you should expect an English or Italian-speaking guide rather than assume one particular person will lead your departure.

What to pack for four hours

Keep your packing simple and practical:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Flip-flops

You should apply sunscreen before launching and bring enough water for the full outing. A hat helps during the beach pauses, while a change of clothes makes the return to the car more comfortable.

The tour supplies the kayak, lifejacket, mask, waterproof bag, and other needed equipment. Food and drinks are not supplied, so plan around that. Pets are not allowed.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans are uncertain. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Should you book the Tuerredda kayak tour?

Book it if you want Sardinia’s coast from the water, especially if clear swimming spots, small coves, and a friendly guide matter more to you than a long day on one beach. The combination of Perda Longa, the Ferraglione Islands, Tuerredda, and the fishermen’s lagoon gives the four hours a good range.

I would be cautious if you do not swim, dislike physical activity, or need a fully fixed itinerary. Sea conditions can change the plan, and you will spend real time paddling.

For capable beginners, this looks like one of the better-value ways to see the Chia area. The small group, patient instruction, included gear, and repeated praise for guides such as Simon and Simone make the $77 price easier to justify. Bring water, protect yourself from the sun, and expect the best parts to come from the quiet stretches between the named stops.

FAQ

Where does the kayak tour meet?

The meeting point is the car park of Ittiturismo Antica Pescheria.

How long does the experience last?

The kayak tour lasts four hours.

What places does the route visit?

The route begins at Capo Malfatano and heads toward Tuerredda Island. It includes Perda Longa beach, the Ferraglione Islands, a secluded cove near Tuerredda, and the fishermen’s lagoon on the return.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling is included, and a mask is provided during the tour.

Is kayaking equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes the kayak, lifejacket, waterproof bag, mask, and other equipment.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You need to bring your own food and drinks, including water.

What languages are available?

The live guide speaks Italian and English.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 12 cannot join. Minors aged 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.